Rovers too strong for Emmaus

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A stunning nine goal opening quarter by Hampton Rovers paved the way for a 38 point win against cellar dwellers Emmaus St Leos last Saturday.

 

Playing their best football for the year, the Rovers were on song right from the first bounce.  Seven different players scored goals in the opening stanza with spearhead Adam Power and young mid fielder Mark Deveraux bagging two each.  While Gary Carr ran amok with eight kicks and several more possessions, the Rovers were dominant all over the field.  A 54-point lead at quarter time was just the start the away team wanted.

 

Emmaus clawed back in the second quarter and despite leading 11.5.71 to 4.4.28 at the main break, Rovers coach Brett McIlwraith demanded a lift in his players’ intensity during his half time address.

 

The Rovers won the third quarter with Nick Greenwood kicking three more goals with his strong marking and deft agility.  While Anton Duddy and skipper Michael Fletcher chipped in with a goal each.  The Rovers won the quarter and at three quarter time led by 52 points.

 

The last quarter was a dour and scrappy affair as much of the sting had gone out of the game.  Although only kicking one goal in the last courtesy of a great snap by youngster James Prantos, the Rovers ran out comfortable winners 17.9.111 to 11.7.73.

 

Coach Brett McIlwraith said after the game, “I was wrapped with the start the boys made today and it’s very satisfying when a plan comes together as it did in quarter one.  But I was disappointed that we didn’t capitalise on that great start and have a bigger win.  Still, that’s two wins in a row and we’re back in the four.

 

HAMPTON ROVERS  9.1  11.5  16.9  17.9 (111)

EMMAUS ST LEOS   0.1  4.4  8.5  11.7 (73)

Best Players: Devereaux, Greenwood, Carr, Woods, Burggraaff, Prantzos.

Goal Kickers: Greenwood 5, Devereaux 3, Fletcher 2, Power 2, Adams, Browne, Duddy, Lawrence, Prantzos.

 

The Rovers play second-placed Old Caulfield Grammarians at Boss James and a win is crucial in a competition that’s becoming more even as the season progresses. Book now for the Presidents Luncheon, by clicking here.

 

The Rovers Reserves won a tight match after being down by 31 points at half time. Best on ground were Ng, Kezilas and Hanlon, while Marshall kicked 3 goals. After 7 rounds, the reserves sit third on the ladder with just the one loss, and five wins, while a win was taken away from the side by the VAFA for playing an unregistered player.

 

The Rovers under 19s battled hard all day against Oakleigh Clays but went down by three goals. Giasoumi, Zampaglione and Pinto were best for the Rovers. Greg Cannell kicked 4 goals and Cain Malthouse kicked 3.